Operative precautions in HIV and other bloodborne virus diseases.

Mathematical means have suggested that the surgical team is at particular risk of acquiring HIV (or other bloodborne viruses) from a source patient. To reduce this risk, it is mandatory to avoid accidental injuries during operative procedures. The surgeon must handle tissues with instruments and must minimize finger use. Sharp instruments should be passed through a neutral zone to ensure that the surgeon and nurse do not touch the same instrument at the same time. Instruments should not be handled blindly, but instead should be accompanied by eye and verbal contact. We find these changes in surgical technique are necessary for present and future generations of surgeons.